The unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict causes threat to security and stability in the region, William Lahue, head of NATO Liaison Office in Georgia told reporters in Tbilisi July 14.
The peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a very difficult process, according to Lahue.
He said that NATO doesn’t plan to be a mediator between the sides of the conflict, since mediation in such negotiations is not among the tasks and powers of NATO.
Nevertheless, the alliance fully supports the efforts of OSCE Minsk Group for the settlement of this conflict, Lahue added.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council’s four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.
Edited by SI
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